The beautiful, amazingly accomplished Alpine A110 Berlinette was Renault’s world-beating entry on the world rally stage in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Renault remains proud of this Alpine’s heritage, and this automaker’s Classic division is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the A110′s one-two-three finish in the 1973 Monte Carlo Rally by entering five examples in the 2013 Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique, taking place this week. These cars will be driven by a star-studded team, including the 1973 event winners.

The Alpine-Renault 1973 victories, led by Jean-Claude Andruet and his female co-driver, ‘Biche,’ counted toward this team’s Manufacturers’ crown at the end of the inaugural World Rally Championship in 1973.

Here’s a period French-language film showing the A110 Berlinette in all of its glory.

Renault provided the following information about this year’s driving team:

Jean VINATIER (co-driver: Jean-François JACOB) Jean Vinatier was Renault’s first factory driver. He drove for the make from 1964 until 1971 and his principal victories include the 1964 Tour de Corse in a Renault 8 Gordini. He also won the French Rally Championship in 1969 driving an Alpine A110.

Carlos TAVARES (co-driver: Jean-Pascal DAUCE) Carlos Tavares has been Renault’s Chief Operating Officer since 2011. His passion for motorsport goes back a long way (for 30 years) and he is especially respectful of Alpine’s rich heritage. The presence of Carlos Tavares in the Team Renault Classic line-up, in a private capacity, will help to deepen his understanding of the Alpine brand’s DNA.

Jean-Claude ANDRUET (co-driver: ‘BICHE’) Jean-Claude Andruet jumped to fame after claiming the Critérium des Aspirants prize in 1965 driving a Renault 8 Gordini. The following year saw him compete in France’s ‘Coupe Gordini’ in addition to a programme of rallies and circuit races.

11 Responses to “Alpine-Renault celebrates 40 years of victory at Monte Carlo Historique”

My first car in 1961 was a black Renault Dauphine, don’t ask, so I was more in-tune with Renaults than the average American teenager. That’s probably the only reason I took note of the Renault successes later in the decade. I can’t say why these cars resonated so powerfully with me, but they did. In the early 70s I was in a hobby shop in California, that sold European model car kits and they had an Alpine sans any ralley decals so when finished it looked stock. I still have the model and Alpine is on my wish list of cars that I’ll never have a chance to own.

Thanks, Mark, great write-up with lots of historical details. Brought back a FLOOD of memories.

Jean Vinatier, driver of the #1 Alpine, was the winner of the 1972 Tour de France in Group 2…… driving a Ford werkes Capri. He was also Ford’s competitions manager for France in 1972, taking a turn at the GT-70 and the Pantera now and then as well. Fantastic driver. We have his 1972 Tour de France Capri in the Team Blitz collection.

It is a carbide stud belt to drive full speed on snow it was later banned because the 1/4″ carbide pyramid was tearing down the pavement , tracking was fabulous on snow and ice , on dry road they were a nightmare as it was like driving on ice the steel was doing just the opposite . lost of traction .
I used them , they were extremely expensive , these were the days when they did not have a photo radar in every corner .